Dhaka, July 21 (V7N) — At least 19 people were killed and 50 others injured after a Bangladesh Air Force FT-7 BGI training jet crashed into the campus of Milestone School and College in Uttara, Dhaka, on Monday. The crash, which occurred during school hours, caused widespread panic among students and left classrooms damaged.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), the aircraft took off at 1:06 PM as part of a routine training flight. Moments later, it reportedly suffered a mechanical failure and crash-landed on the school premises, striking a classroom next to the school’s canteen.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as the aircraft struck the building. Public relations officer of Milestone College, Shah Bulbul, confirmed that a classroom in the school wing was severely damaged. He also stated that the area had been sealed off by security forces, and school officials were not permitted to access the site.

At the time of the crash, classes were ongoing for students from grades one through seven. The sudden explosion and impact sent students fleeing in all directions. Many broke into tears, while others ran from adjacent rooms to the school yard. The situation quickly escalated as news of the crash spread, prompting anxious parents and guardians to rush to the campus in search of their children. Long queues of distressed families formed outside the school gates.

Videos circulating on social media show thick smoke billowing into the sky from the crash site. In the footage, students and civilians are seen running in panic amid the unfolding chaos.

Opposition leader and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in the afternoon to check on the condition of those injured in the crash. The facility has admitted many of the victims, who are now undergoing emergency treatment for severe burn injuries.

Security personnel from various agencies, including the Army, Air Force, police, and fire service, are continuing rescue and recovery operations. A high-level investigation committee has been formed by the Bangladesh Air Force to determine the exact cause of the crash.

The incident has sent shockwaves across the nation and raised renewed concerns over the safety of conducting military aviation exercises near densely populated civilian areas.

END/AJ/SMA/